Camping near Balsam Grove offers diverse options for visitors exploring the mountainous terrain of western North Carolina, situated at elevations ranging from 2,500-3,000 feet. The region experiences mild summers with average temperatures of 75-85°F and cooler evenings, making it popular for tent camping from April through October. This area features both developed campgrounds and primitive options with varying levels of amenities and access to nearby natural attractions.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls in Gorges State Park: Located minutes from Balsam Grove, the park offers challenging trails like the 4-mile round trip to Rainbow and Turtle Back Falls. "This is one of North Carolina's best waterfall parks. Rainbow Falls, Turtel Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls... I found a Gem of a site about 2 miles from the parking lot," shares a visitor at Gorges State Park Campground.
Fly fishing the North Mills River: Just north of Balsam Grove, the North Mills River area provides excellent fishing opportunities. "We live not too far from this campground, so it's more like our backyard outdoor playground... One heads back to the reservoir for some amazing fly fishing. We've enjoyed this campground mainly for the fly-fishing," according to a visitor at North Mills River.
Mountain biking from Davidson River: The Pisgah National Forest trail system offers extensive biking options accessible from camping areas. "The ART LOEB trailhead is right outside the campground entrance and is excellent for hiking and mountain biking. Several loops and even sites provide access to the river for fishing," notes a camper from Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground.
Swimming in natural water slides: During summer months, several natural water features near campgrounds provide refreshing swimming options. "Slide Rock is a natural water slide that is fun for the whole family. Yes… it's COLD and honestly worth every moment of chilly suffering," writes a camper about the popular swimming spot accessible from Davidson River.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the Balsam Grove region offer spacious sites with natural separation. At Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground, "We had a large double site with 2 tent pads and enough room for our friend's RV. The campground is right on the Davidson River with a number of hiking & biking trail heads and plenty of spots to get into the river for tubing, fishing and swimming."
Waterfront camping options: Sites near rivers or lakes are particularly valued by visitors. "We kayaked in our inflatables a short way across the lake to our primitive camping site which included nearby firewood that we could collect and use in a provided firepit area and used the large tree trunks as seating. The site overlooked the water and had a good amount of privacy/space from the other campers," reports a visitor at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.
Yurt camping and alternative lodging: For those seeking yurt camping near Balsam Grove, North Carolina, several campgrounds provide comfortable lodging options. "We stayed for six days in March. We loved everything about this campground. The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations," shares a visitor at Lake Powhatan, which offers yurt accommodations among its lodging options.
Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster social interaction among guests. "The campground hosts were very friendly and helpful, and even gave out weather predictions for the coming days to those who asked... There is a nightly group bonfire, but no individual camp fires allowed due to being in a government watershed area," notes a visitor to Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds have limited operations during winter months. "We used this as an overnight stay on our way from SC to MI. We initially planned to disperse camp nearby, but due to the cold weather, we decided to get a site with electric instead. Not all loops are open this time of year, but there was no issue getting a site - even at 10PM," reports a December visitor to Pisgah National Forest.
Varying amenity levels: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms are clean and the showers are hot (no adjustment possible on temperature). There are many hiking trails in the area and it's beautiful even during December when there are no leaves on the trees," notes the same winter visitor.
Accessibility challenges: Some sites require special access considerations. "Watch out for beauty and the bears! What a beautiful site with plenty of elbow room between you and your neighbor. I rated a 4 star because the dump site is very tight, and lacking. That was the only thing on this campground I feel needed some work," shares a camper at Davidson River.
Cell coverage limitations: Digital connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "We 'work from wheels' so some type of reliable internet is a must anywhere we go. Whether it be through cellular or wi-fi, our entire business is online... We never knew when it would start, or stop and became very difficult to work," reports a visitor at Adventure Village and Lodgings.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly waterfall hikes: Several trails offer accessible waterfall viewing appropriate for various ages. "Hiking is abundant and all levels are accessible within minutes to a few miles of the campsite. Our favorites are: Looking Glass Falls (steps going down make this a breeze), Moore Cove Falls is a MUST and an easy trail that leads to the perfect waterfall for a good photo," recommends a family who visited Davidson River Campground.
Campgrounds with tent platforms: When camping with kids in Balsam Grove, tent platforms provide comfort and stability. "Hosts were super friendly and the campground was incredibly taken care of. We stayed at the techno site with a tent and were able to set it up on a fresh pad of mulch so we didn't have to sleep on the gravel," notes a visitor at Ash Grove.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers chances to spot unique wildlife. "There are 3 trailside primitive campsites that are on a peninsula overlooking Lake Keowee. Although only one of them is considered on the shore, they are all within walking distance... Parts of the trail feature waterfalls and overlooks onto the lake which is a great photo opportunity," writes a Keowee-Toxaway State Park visitor.
Campsite selection for privacy: For family camping near Balsam Grove including yurt options, site selection matters. "Not all loops are open this time of year, but there was no issue getting a site - even at 10PM. The bathrooms are clean and the showers are hot (no adjustment possible on temperature). There are many hiking trails in the area," notes a Davidson River camper.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require equipment for proper RV setup. "Site was not fully level, so we had to pull out the wheel levelers and go up about 4" on one side," notes an RVer at Adventure Village.
Road access considerations: Steep grades and narrow roads can present challenges. "CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road. This campground would've gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down," warns a visitor at Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort.
Water and electric hookup availability: Utility availability varies by location. "No Water/Sewer Hookups on Any Site, Electric Hookup Sites Limited, WiFi/Cell Signal Limited [Booster Recommended]," explains a camper who visited Davidson River, providing essential information for RV travelers seeking full hookups in the Balsam Grove area.
